Former President of the Senate, David Mark, yesterday denied media reports regarding his alleged ownership of some companies offshore.
A statement issued by Mark’s Media Office in Abuja and signed by his media assistant, Paul Mumeh, stated that the reports linking the Senator to the companies were products of political propaganda. It stated that Mark had challenged anybody to prove that his name was mentioned in the leaks.
The statement reads: “Our attention has been drawn to spurious media reports on the Panama papers in which former President of the Senate, David Mark was alleged to have operated offshore companies.
For the avoidance of doubt, in the released materials of the Panama Leaks, his name is not listed anywhere in the database of Mossack Fonseca Law Firm. We reiterate categorically, that he is not directly or indirectly connected to any of the companies registered, operated or managed by the Mossack Fonseca Law Firm. We challenge all those behind this propaganda and media outburst to prove or show that Mark’s name was mentioned in the leaks.
“He is prepared to stand and defend himself against any accusation in relation to this matter. Mark’s media team has carried out its own search of the Mossack Fonseca database and found no statement, item or any connection to Mark or his family. It follows that there is no record whatsoever of any impropriety or wrongdoing.”
The statement recalled that in Mark’s quest for Senate presidency in 2007, “there was an attempt to bring a similar issue to the fore in order to stop him. So what are their fears now in 2016 for regurgitating the same issue?
“Once more, Mark has distanced himself and any member of his family from the said Mossack Fonseca Firm and has no affiliation whatsoever with any company operated, registered or managed by Mossack Fonseca.”
According to the statement, “Mark has not contravened any laws of the land and he is treating this for what it is, an attempt to blackmail and tarnish his hard earned image by some political elements.
“As a public officer, Mark has maintained a high level of decorum, respects and observes the laws of the land and believes in the sanctity of the rule of law. He will not be distracted by what is clearly a deliberate mischief and propaganda.”
It further stated that “records of all his assets are available with the relevant government agencies and can be verified. He has consulted his legal team and will take this up accordingly.”
